Religion Briefs November 24, 2012

Angel Tree toy, food drive set in TupeloThe Tupelo Flea Market will feature a food and toy drive this weekend to benefit The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Project. The Angel Tree, which is set up in The Mall at Barnes Crossing, is a project in which needy families submit their children’s Christmas lists to be filled by charitable mall shoppers. Shoppers register for a list, purchase items on the Christmas list and then return them to The Salvation Army for distribution.
The toy and food drive calls for donations of imperishable food items and toys, but most of all clothes. Major Sue Dorman, senior officer of The Salvation Army in Northeast Mississippi, said that since kids grow so quickly, distressed families often struggle to keep up. She suggests hoodies, shoes, socks and underwear, as well as books and educational toys.

Church of England rejects women bishopsIn a surprise move that shocked both sides of a years-long debate, the Church of England rejected an expected move to allow women bishops on Nov. 20.
The vote came after almost nine hours of debate and months of lobbying by both sides. While the vote was expected to be close, many believed the new Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s full-throated support – “It is time to finish the job and vote for this measure,” he said – would help end years of acrimonious debate.
Opposition came largely from two groups who claimed that allowing women to hold leadership posts over men was unbiblical, and said the proposal did not contain adequate safeguards to protect parishes or priests who could not accept a woman bishop.
There are around 3,000 actively serving women priests in the Church of England – roughly 40 percent of all clergy. More than 70 percent of church membership is female.

#GivingTuesday event aims to boost charitiesA group of charities and corporate sponsors is urging Americans to make the Tuesday after Thanksgiving just as powerful a day of giving to those in need.
It’s called #GivingTuesday, and organizers say it’s gaining momentum as the holiday shopping season approaches.
“We have two days that are good for the economy. Here is a new day that is good for the soul,” said Henry Timms, deputy executive director of strategy, innovation and content of 92nd Street Y in New York City, where the idea was hatched.
#GivingTuesday is a consumer movement, much like the big post-Thanksgiving shopping days, and organizers say it’s up to people to make it a success. The goal is to drive donations of time, money or services to charities with the same enthusiasm that shoppers have on Black Friday.This week’s answer
Q. HOW LONG was the Son of Man in the heart of the Earth?
A. 3 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS (Matthew 12:40)This week’s questionQ. What did the prophet tell King David that would depart from his house?
Questions by Claude Wilemon